Repeat offenders arrested for mail theft in Menifee

Pieces of mail allegedly stolen by the suspects are displayed on an evidence table. Photo courtesy of Sheriff's Department

Two Menifee residents with extensive criminal records were arrested on suspicion of mail theft Thursday after fleeing the scene of a reported crime, authorities said.

Jerry Battoe, 48, and Joelene Hogan, 36, were taken into custody at a residence in the 26000 block of Evans Road, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. Deputies tracked them there from a license plate number provided by a witness to the crime, which was reported at 9:18 a.m. at a community mailbox at an apartment complex in the 28000 block of Encanto Drive.

At the Evans Road residence, deputies discovered the suspects as well as hundreds of pieces of stolen mail that were collected as evidence.

The stolen mail included checks, ID cards, Social Security cards and credit cards. U.S. Postal inspectors are conducting their own investigation.

Battoe has court dates next month in five other cases for crimes he is alleged to have committed in the last year, court records show. The charges range from driving with a suspended license to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Battoe's last arrest led to 11 misdemeanor charges for drug abuse and driving with a suspended license. He was arrested and booked Dec. 19 and was released the same day, pending a Feb. 24 court date.

Hogan has court dates next month in two other cases and has prior convictions for traffic violations. Her last arrest, occurring along with Battoe's arrest Dec. 19, was for alleged forgery and abuse of a controlled substance. She also was released the same day, pending a Feb. 19 court date.